paper collage-on which acrylic collage is based by Maurice Rowe

I've assumed that most painters on this website are on a journey of discovery towards finding their own personal means of expression - and perhaps to seek inspiration from looking at each others' work. I know that one of my greatest pleasures is visiting local art galleries. I've been a keen photographer for many years but returned to painting because I found it offers more scope for expression and I now mainly take photos as references for paintings. But there are other ways to arrive at an image and I hoped that most people viewing here would understand my reason for showing an art class project which involved making a collage as a reference to use for an abstract painting.

You are a versatile artist with an amazing gallery. I think we should all be experimental, and constantly challenge ourselves, and that is what you have done. It is artists like you that are inspirational to people like me. I came to painting late in life, and now retired I can devote time to this wonderful form of expression. I like the collage and the colours used and it drew my attention immediately. I thought it was an abstract painting until opening it up, and can see it will make an interesting abstract. Might even give it a go myself! Keep up the good work.

Thank you Stephen. I suppose that the act of putting one's artwork on public display inevitably attracts some criticism. Nothing new about that! But your comments more than make up for unconsidered invective. I am retired too and have the time now to visit art galleries and build up a small library of books showing the work of artists I admire. May I suggest you look at, among others: Mike Bernard, John and Ann Blockley, Moira Huntley, Glyn Macey, Michael Morgan, Barbara Rae and Shirley Trevena.

Hi Maurice, I have gone through the artists you have mentioned, and bookmarked appropriate sites so I can return to them again. Very impressive art! I know I have to loosen up a bit with my painting, but as I only started in January of this year, it will take some time. Thanks again for the information.